Biography
Susan Welty joined the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as Associate Principal Horn in 1988 and currently holds the position of Acting Principal Horn.
The Illinois native received her Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from Northwestern University, where she studied with Dale Clevenger, Norman Schweikert, and Richard Oldberg. Welty was a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago while studying there.
In addition to being a featured artist at the 1999 International Horn Workshop, she also served as a guest artist at the 2011 and 2012 National Brass Symposiums. Welty has been a member of the Bellingham Music Festival Orchestra since 2009, and she has performed at the Grand Tetons, Highland Cashiers, Astoria, and Amelia Island Music Festivals.
Outside of music, Welty has a passion for houses, interior design, and furniture. She was the winner of the 2013 “Kitchen of the Year” award in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles. Welty lives in Atlanta with her husband Brice Andrus and their two long-haired dachshunds.
Q & A
What year did you join the ASO?
1988
What's on your ASO repertoire bucket list?
I’d love to record all the Mahler symphonies. Mahler 3 and 9 are the only 2 left to record unless you count the Cooke version of Mahler 10
Why did you choose your instrument?
I was told I was going to play the horn by my Band Director.
What do you do in your free time outside of work?
I like to design kitchens and baths. Spend time with my husband, Brice Andrus (retired Principal Horn of ASO), and my two long-haired dachshunds Gustav and Gretel.
Do you come from a musical family?
All six of my siblings and I play an instrument.
Earliest musical hero?
I was watching the Philadelphia Orchestra on PBS with my Dad. The camera focused on a woman playing third horn. I told my Dad, “I’m going to be like her in an Orchestra someday.”